TA Report: Salmon River State Forest (Grayville)

Date of Activity: November 29, 2009

Trail Ambassador Names: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Hebron
Location: Grayville Falls Park/Salmon River State Forest.
Trail(s) Ridden: Many, all unmarked.
How did you use the trail? Mountain Bike
What was the time of day? Afternoon

Duration (Hours): 2.5

Distance (Miles): 12ish

Condition of Trail(s): Dry.


Observations: Grayville was busy on this sunny but chilly Sunday morning. We saw several other riding groups and a few hikers/dog walkers as well. We rode the mellow trail by the river, the plank bridge trail, the slickrock trail, and others. We gave a group of young riders directions to the stunts.

There are a lot of great trails in here, and a few not-so-great. Some of the trails don't seem to go anywhere. It's best to ride with someone who knows their way around so you don't waste time on the less satisfying stuff.

Very few sticks and branches, and no trees, had blown down after the high winds of the day before. Maybe everything that can blow down already has.

Trails were dry and in good shape- no problems besides a few muddy areas that could use bridging or armoring.

TA Report: Wadsworth Falls State Park

Date of Activity: 11/29/2009

Trail Ambassador Name: Barry Burke

Trail Ambassador Email: barry at bburke.com

Town: Middletown

Location: Wadsworth Falls SP

Trail(s) Ridden: Orange, Red, White, Yellow, Short section of Blue,
Unblazed, Rockfall Land Trust

How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding

What was the time of day?: Afternoon, ~ 2-4 PM

Duration (Hours): 2

Distance (Miles): ~ 9

Condition of Trail(s): Heavy leaf cover making side trails difficult to see, small but deep areas of mud. Overall, most were in good shape for very late fall.

Observations: This was a beautiful day, rare for the season, so the main trail was rather crowded. I rode a loop that avoided the main trail as much as possible. Side trails were pretty much empty, making for a quiet Sunday ride. Many, many, dogs were present, only a few were leashed. There were so many dogs, I'm surprised there weren't more conflicts. I picked up litter along the Orange trail and to return this week and pick up some blow downs and sticks. It was nice to see lots of folks out hiking with kids.

TA Report River Highlands State Park.

"Why they call it River Highlands, not Blow Hole"

Date of Activity: November 26, 2009

Trail Ambassador Names: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom
Town: Cromwell
Location: River Highlands State Park
Trail(s) Ridden: Green, white, red, yellow, yellow/green, yellow/red
How did you use the trail? Mountain Bike
What was the time of day? Morning
Duration (Hours): 2.5

Distance (Miles): 12ish

Condition of Trail(s): Dry.

Observations: We had the park to ourselves this Thanksgiving morning- only one other car in the lot and we never saw the driver. I'm either going senile or someone is re-blazing the trails. The trail down to the blow hole, which used to be blazed red, is now yellow.

Trails were dry and in good shape- no problems. Continued evidence of ATV/dirt bike use on the double tracks.

TA Report: Collis P Huntington SP

Date of Activity: 11/28/2009
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton, also Ed Perton and Dave Cleveland ( who used to be a trail ambassador - hey, never too late to be one)
Trail Ambassador Email: peburton1@gmail.com
Town: Redding
Location: Huntington SP
Trail(s) Ridden: South Pond Extension, part of Chimney Trail, some carriage road, Burned Trails, and some others
How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding
What was the time of day?: Morning
Duration (Hours): 3 hours
Distance (Miles): ?
Condition of Trail(s): Not bad, either the leaves were compacted and mostly dry and on some sections I think someone went through with a leaf blower.

Observations: I was surprised to see that there were no new blowdowns after the wind yesterday. Very few mountain bikers out considering the nice weather. It was great to ride Huntington since I haven't had a chance to ride there in a while. Also the weather was perfect. And on Sundays there are no hunters.

Trail Ambassador report: Huntington

Date of Activity: 11/29/09 Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten Trail Ambassador Email: edperten@sbcglobal.net Town: Redding Location: Huntington State Park Trail(s) Ridden: Several How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding What was the time of day?: Late morn to early afternoon Duration (Hours): 3-4 Distance (Miles): Several Condition of Trail(s): Good, some muddy areas Observations: Lots of people, bikers, hikers, dogs in the woods today, never saw the parking lot so full.

A Bunch of Turkeys showed up at Mianus

Even though the weather report said rain it wasn't raining when I left the house this morning. However, by the time I got to the parking area off of Merribrook Lane it was lightly raining. Despite the rain, the turn out was great, 9 people showed up to ride.

George

Everyone getting ready in the new lot

Glenn warming up

The trails were actually in great shape and even though it had been raining, which I think it was due to all the leaves on the trails yet traction wasn't a problem. The roots, on the other hand, tended to be a little more slippery than usual and there are a lot of roots at Mianus - I guess you could say it made the ride a little more challenging.

Rest Stop at the Cave

Trails at Mianus are simply superb! The efforts of Ryan Tucker, Dave Francefort, and Rich Coffey really show up in the trail reroutes, benching, and obstacle planning. Mianus has a mix of buff trails that roll like buttah and an equal share of gnarly, rooted, rocky, technical trails typically found in New England. If you are in the area I recommend you ride Mianus sometime. Those not familiar, check out these map resources for Mianus. The major trails are signed so getting lost in the woods is nearly impossible.

music by Exodus

TA Report: North Newtown

Date of Activity: 11/25/2009
Location: Upper Paugussett State Forest & Brookfield Open Space (Dingle Brook Trail System)

A pure hand needs no glove to cover it.

-- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Trail Ambassador Email: eatsleepfish@gmail.com
Town: Newtown & Brookfield
Trail(s) Ridden: Upper Gussy & Dingle Brook
How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding
What was the time of day?: Ride after Work
Duration (Hours): 2
Distance (Miles): 9

Condition of Trail(s): The Gussy trail is nice! Leaves are pretty well compacted so you know there is a trail there. There are many trees down on the Dingle Brook trail on the climb up from the bench.

Observations: Cleared some deadfall off the Gussy near the trail head.

Turkey Burner Ride - 11/27

The Mianus River Park Turkey Burner will be a fun, intermediate level ride. We'll be taking a tour of everything the park has to offer, this includes some tech riding and technical trail features. The park is SS friendly and has some play features for those interested. Goal is for ~2 hours of no drop riding and undoing the turkey induced comas from Thursday.

Also, don't forget to check out our new interactive map for Mianus River Park.

Wheels in the dirt at 9 AM!

Hard rain night before or during cancels. Park drains relatively well so drizzle will be a go.

Meet at the Red Barn parking lot off of Merribrook Road [Crankfire.com], in Stamford, CT.

View Larger Map

TA Report: Pequonnock River Valley

Date of Activity: 11/22/2009

Bridge over the Pequonnock River

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie

Trail Ambassador Email: eatsleepfish@gmail.com

New Bridge on Blue Trail

Town: Trumbull

Location: Pequannock River Valley

Trail(s) Ridden:

How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding

Hoofed Rat in the Serengeti

What was the time of day?: Early Morning

Duration (Hours): 2 hours

Distance (Miles): 6 miles

Condition of Trail(s): Leafy with many mud holes. The white trail in the north section of the park is particularly muddy.

Iron Horse MKIII - Rigged as a Single Speed

Observations: Surprised to see so many people out on the trail so early in the morning. The new bridge on the blue trail is really nice. Was having a great ride until my chain got stuck between my spokes and cassette. Spent half an hour Trail Ambassadoring to myself. Ended up rigging myself single speed and sparing myself the walk of shame.

This place needs a lot of work! Quite a few sections need armoring and one particular section on the yellow trail up near route 25 needs to be rerouted due to erosion.

Lost Keys - Peqaunnock River Valley (aka Trumbull)

Found these keys on the Blue Trail past the old dam at the following point: 41.25641/-73.20911





View Larger Map

TA Report Bluff Point & Haley Farm State Parks

Date of Activity: November 19, 2009
Location: Bluff Point & Haley Farm State Parks

Trail Ambassador Names: Glenn Vernes
Trail Ambassador Email: glennvernes33athotmaildotcom

Town: Groton
Trail(s) Ridden: Many, all unmarked
How did you use the trail? Mountain Bike
What was the time of day? Late Morning/ Afternoon
Duration (Hours): 3.75

Distance (Miles): 15ish
Condition of Trail(s): Dry, clean, with a thin layer of leaves. Lots and lots of thorn bushes.

Observations: The plan was to scout out a route for a chapter group ride to be held in the near future. I figured I might find two hours of riding, but was pleasantly surprised to find a good deal more. This place sports quite an inventory of trails considering its relatively small size. They wind like spaghetti over the large dome-shaped hill that makes up most of Bluff Point, and some are pretty technical. Not a lot of roots, but some tricky rock gardens, and steep ups and downs. Tight and twisty sections too. They're in very good condition considering the amount of traffic they get. Many sections are lined with thorn bushes. It's a great place for a 29er (is there any place that isn't?) but single speeders might find themselves spinning out their gear in some places. The trails are all unmarked, no blazes anywhere, and the map is useless. It's pretty easy to use the ocean, cove, and airport for orientation- at least when the leaves are off the trees.

I visited Sunset Rock, which is not as romantic as it sounds- especially when you're alone. I crossed the bridge over the railroad tracks to Haley Farm State Park. It's a scenic place with good views of Mumford Cove and Groton Long Point, stone ruins that give it and old world feel (see picture), more thorn bushes, and a lot of dog walkers. The better trails are on the Bluff Point side.

All told I saw five or six other bikers and too many hikers/joggers/dog walkers to count. I cut one fallen tree that was sticking into the trail at a dangerous angle.

TA Report: Cockaponset SF

Date of Activity: 11/18/09
Trail Ambassador Name: Barry Burke
Trail Ambassador Email: barry@bburke.com
Town: Haddam / Chester
Location: Cockoponsett SF
Trail(s) Ridden: Orange, Purple, Red, White, Blue/Yellow, fire roads.
How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding
What was the time of day?: Mid-day
Duration (Hours): 3
Distance (Miles): I lost my computer head ~ the 9 mile mark. Estimate 13-15 miles

Condition of Trail(s): Heavy leaf cover, some wet areas and streams I never knew existed. Overall, everything was in nice shape and very
ridable.

Observations: One hunter was observed, near Pattaconk Lake. Several parked vehicles sprinkled around, but not other trail users noted.

TA Report: Brooksvale Park

Date of Activity: 11/18/09 Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten Trail Ambassador Email: edperten@sbcglobal.net Town: Hamden Location: Brooksvale Park Trail(s) Ridden: A few How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding What was the time of day?: Late Morning Duration (Hours): ½ -1 hour Distance (Miles): Not much Condition of Trail(s): Muddy Observations: The bad news: Picked up a stick which snapped my rear derailleur The good news: Wasn't too far into the park, much downhill on the way out The good news: SCRAM has a crash replacement program which will save me approximately $100

TA Report: West Rocks State Park

Date of Activity: 11/15/09 Trail Ambassador Name: Ed Perten Trail Ambassador Email: edperten@sbcglobal.net Town: New Haven, CT Location: West Rock Trail(s) Ridden: Several How did you use the trail?: Mountain bike riding What was the time of day?: Late morning Duration (Hours): 3 Distance (Miles): a bunch Condition of Trail(s): There was a surprising amount of water (puddles and mud) on the trails Observations:

TA Report: Dingle Brook Trails

Date of Activity: 11/18/2009
Condition of Trail(s): Leafy, some muddy spots

Trail Ambassador Name: Mark Lurie
Town: Brookfield/Newtown
Location: Brookfield Open Space
Trail(s) Ridden: Dinglebrook & Horse Trails
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: Oh Dark thirty
Duration (Hours): 1.5
Distance (Miles): 6

Observations & Encounters: In a follow up to my TA Report for Upper Paugussett State Forest from last week when I encountered that ATV and subsequently notified the DEP about the opening to Upper Paugussett State Forest across from Silver City that is an open invitation to any kid in the neighborhood with a motorized off road vehicle, all the DEP did was put up another sign.

There is another tree down on the Lake George ROW but it's not quite blocking the trail because of it's length and the trees above supporting it but it because it's leaning down pushing another tree into the ROW. As for the ROW, there are quite a few big mud puddles that you would need to ride around.

On the climb up from the bench there are few trees down that make climbing the trail problematic.

Now that it's literally open season for season for Dear using rifles and shot guns, stay away from the neighboring horse trails on the Newtown side! There is a tree stand about 100 yards from where the big tree came down on the red trail and this morning there was a hunter in it!

TA Report: Salmon River State Forest (Greyville)

Trail Ambassador Glen

Date of Activity:11/11/09
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, leafy
Trail Ambassador Name(s): Al Tinti, Glen Vernes, Mark Lurie, Ryan Tucker, Joe Tinti
Trail Ambassador Email:
Town: Hebron
Location: Grayville Falls / Salmon River State Forest
Trail(s) Ridden: Quite a few
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: Midday
Duration (Hours): 2.75
Distance (Miles): 9 and change

Observations: Very leafy yet quite easy to follow the trails that have a really sweet flow.

Trail Ambassador Ryan

Middletown Madness: CTNEMBA Winter Social Event

Sunday January 31, 2010
Schedule of Events:
1 PM Rides or other outdoor activities (weather depending):
Beginner/Intermediate Ride @ Wadsworth SP
Advanced Ride @ Millers Pond SP

4pm The Party Starts!

Meet at CFPA (16 Meriden Road, Rockfall, CT 06481-2961) for a catered dinner, movies, and raffle.


View Larger Map

Fun for family, friends. All invited.

Free to members and $10 to non-members or join at the door.

RSPV to Paula Burton peburton1@gmail.com or call 203-733-2963 by Tues. Jan. 26.

TM Report: Where's Waldo Trail

Date of Activity:11/15/09
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, leafy
Trail Ambassador Name: Paula Burton
Trail Ambassador Email: peburton1@gmail.com
Town: Southbury
Location: Waldo State Park
Trail worked on: Where's Waldo Trail
How did you use the trail?: Still building trail
What was the time of day?: morning
Duration (Hours): 3 hours

Observations: The first section of the Where's Waldo Trail is almost complete. I worked on smoothing out a few transitions and benching in several places. When designing and building a trail, attention to detail is very important. Many times people are very into building a new trail and are very anxious to get out there and actually cut the trail. Taking time to work on the design will make a more fun and sustainable trail. This will also help prevent having to go back and do major realignments. But something always needs a little tweaking once the trail is in place. In the picture, the stick shows where the trail was cut originally. However, it just wasn't working, so I moved it over about 5 feet and did a little benching. I think the transition will be much smoother and make for a better ride.

TM Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity: 11/14/09
Condition of Trails(s): Wet, Muddy
Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods Trail(s)
Ridden: N/A
How did you use the trail?: Trail Maintenance
What was the time of day?: 7:30AM
Duration (Hours): 4
Distance (Miles): N/A

Observations: Worked on armoring a small river bed, put in 3 knicks on the blue trail and raked out part of the black trail. Spoke to various dog walkers and gave my card to one person who wants to assist in the park. Unbelievably, during all the rain came a mountain biker up through the mud. We spoke a bit and I encouraged him to head out and not continue to mountain bike based upon how much standing water and mud was on the trails.

Trail Courtesy Reminder

Connecticut DEP has contacted us about several complaints received during some recent trail ride on DEP Property. The complaints appear to be centered around unleashed “trail dogs” and discourteous behavior with other users on DEP lands. It should be noted that while on DEP Parks and Forests, Section 23-4-1(f)(1), states that “riding animals and pets must be on a leash that is no longer than seven (7) feet in length, and must be under the control of their owner or keeper at all times”. The penalty occurred would be an infraction for $75.00.

Please be friendly and respectful to other trail users and keep in mind the following 10 Responsible Riding Tips according to the International Mountain Biking Association:

1. Be Prepared

Know your equipment, your ability, the weather, and the area you are riding and prepare accordingly. A well-planned ride will go smoothly for you and your companions.

2. Don't Ride On Closed Trails

Whether it is to protect the environment or for rider safety, a closed trail is off limits for a reason. Riding closed trails is not only illegal; it gives mountain bikers a bad reputation.

3. Say No To Mud

Riding a muddy trail can cause unnecessary trail widening and erosion that may lead to long-lasting damage.

4. Respect the Trail, Wildlife and Environment

Be sensitive to the trail and its surroundings by riding softly and never skidding. Do not litter and never scare animals.

5. Stay On the Trail

Do not intentionally ride off trail. Riding off trail can damage the ecosystem. Never cut switchbacks.

6. Ride Slowly On Crowded Trails

Just like a busy highway, when trails are crowded you must move slowly to ensure safety for all trail users.

7. Pass With Courtesy and Care

Slow down when approaching other trail users and respectfully make others aware you are approaching. Pass with care and be prepared to stop if necessary.

8. Share the Trail With Other Trail Users

Mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians must share multi-use trails. Remember: mountain bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians.

9. Don't Do Unauthorized Trailwork

Unauthorized or illegal trailwork may lead to environmental damage, injury or even potential trail closure.

10. Get Involved

If you want to make a difference in your mountain biking community get involved.

Hiker-Biker Relations Improving in New York and New Jersey

From the IMBA November Singletrack eNews

"I recently witnessed a historic moment when the Executive Director of the New York/New Jersey Trails Conference let the Jersey ORBA folks know that they are removing all anti-bike language from their bylaws and will be trying to develop some joint projects going forward," writes IMBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Frank Maguire. "The relationship between mountain bikers and this influencial, historically hiking-focused organization got a major boost from a Subaru-IMBA Trail Care Crew visit a few years ago. Great work by Jeff Mergler of JORBA, Michael Vitti of CLIMB and Art White of Ringwood Valley Mountain Bikers kept the relationship moving forward." All three of the mountain bike advocates named above now hold at-large delegate positions with the NY/NJ Trails Conference.

2009 Veterans' Day Ride at Grayville Park

Seventeen people showed up to ride today for the CT NEMBA Veteran's day Ride. We started out as one group and eventually broke into two with Al's friend Mike leading the more advanced riders on a hammer fest through Grayville. Al and his brother Joe led a more intermediate ride that covered 9+ miles of buff single track!

Folks getting ready

Ryan Tucker

Brendan

Joe (l), Mike (r)

Darlene Phillips (l) and Joe (r)

Glenn Vernes making a nice little up

Group picture of the B ride group

Bad luck: derailleur nut snapped coming off a log ride

Snapped clean off

rest break on the river trail

TA Report: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:11/7/09
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, leafy

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods
Trail(s) Ridden: Blue, Orange, Yellow, White
How did you use the trail?: Mountain Biking
What was the time of day?: 2:15PM
Duration (Hours): 1.75
Distance (Miles): 5

Observations: Very leafy, hard to find the trail in many places, rode newly relocated section on blue in both directions, really sweet flow.

Trail Maintenance: Wilton Woods

Date of Activity:11/7/09
Condition of Trails(s): Dry, leafy

Trail Ambassador Name: David Francefort
Trail Ambassador Email: dfrancefort@excite.com
Town: Wilton
Location: Wilton Woods

What was the time of day?: 11:00AM
Duration (Hours): 2

Work Performed: Re-Routed 200 foot section of blue trail over about 30-40 feet due to an erosion issue. This was project was previously approved by Wilton Conservation Commission and included bench cutting, chain sawing out some fallen trees and re-blazing. New section keeps the fall line perpendicular to the trail the entire way and should hold up for years to come.

The Fall Epic - Tour de Natchaug

We had 40+ people show up, many more than I expected, probably because of the fantastic weather. After a couple of miles of road and dirt road, we split into 2 groups, one of which (the one I was on) had about 25 riders. With a number of mechanicals, including one bike broken in half (see pics) it was a challange keeping things moving, but everyone in my group had a good attitude about it and seemed to enjoy the day. We had one incident toward the end of the ride when a rider's dog harassed a couple of horses we came across. The horse riders managed to control their horses, but were very upset and threatened to call the authorities about failing to leash or curb the dog, but nothing more came of it to my knowledge. Some more pictures can be found on the CT Forum for NEMBA.

Al Tinti, ride organizer and CT NEMBA Treasurer

His brother Joe Tinti

Glen Vernes, CT NEMBA Secretary

John Isch on his new 29er, a Kona Unit

Cyclocrosser

Trail Dog

Another Trail Dog

Out on the trail

Rest Stop

This sucks! Busted frame. Better shot of the damage can be seen on Crankfire.com

Post ride feed: Pizza!